Yangon

Mdy

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U Bein Bridge

Sagaing

Beaches

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The Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the State of Israel achieved independence in the same year, 1948. Myanmar was the first country in Southeast Asia that recognized Israel as an independent state. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on 13 July 1953.

U Nu was the first foreign Prime Minister to visit the newly independent State of Israel in 1955 and David Ben Gurion ( Israel’s first Prime Minister ) spent one of the longest official trips abroad for an Israeli Prime Minister, with a two-week sojourn in 1961, which included also studies in Buddhism.

In the years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have nurtured a strong bond of friendship, which have included visits of high level officials from both countries.

Israel and Myanmar have undertaken many bilateral cooperation ventures in the fields of agriculture, health, education and economy. Since 1994, thousands of students from Myanmar have received training in-country and scholarships for studies in Israel as well. Many Israelis visit Myanmar every year for its friendly people, warm hospitality, natural beauty and wonders and some also practice Myanmar’s unique classical Theravada Buddhism.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, there have been 20 Israeli ambassadors to Myanmar and 20 Myanmar ambassadors to Israel.